Free Essay

Angola

In:

Submitted By jebony1
Words 1139
Pages 5
History 8A

28 November 2011

Africa Research Project: Fact Finding

Population: 19 million

Main Languages: Portuguese (60%), Umbundu (23%), Mbundu (18%), Luvale (2.7%), Chokwe (2.7%)
Population Density: 39.5 people/square mile

Main Religions: Christianity (94%), Ethnic Religions (4.7%)

Population Growth Rate: 2.66% per year

Main Ethnic Groups: Ovimbundu (37%), Kimbundu (25%), Other (22%), Bakongo (13%), Mestico (2%), European (1%)

Unemployment Rate: Data not provided

Median Age: 18 years

Current President/Leader: Jose Eduardo dos Santos

Area: 481,354 square miles

Neighboring Countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Republic of the Congo, Zambia

Capital City: Luanda

Other Major Cities: Huambo, Lobito, Benguela, Kuito, Bie

Gross Domestic Product (GPD): $35 billion per year

Rate of Inflation: +14.47% per year

Currency Name: Kz1 (Angolan kwanza)

Response Questions

1. Describe the climate and geography of this country. Be sure to include all significant geographic features.

The climate in Angola is very predictable and reliable. The temperature ranges from the high 70’s and 80’s in the hot, rainy season, November to April, and the 60’s to the low 70’s in the cool, dry season, May to October. The lowest point in Angola is the Atlantic Ocean, zero feet, and the highest point is Morro de Moco, 7329 feet. Morro de Moco is the largest mountain in Angola and it lies in Provincia do Huambo.

2. Describe the natural resources that this country possesses. Are there any other countries involved in the mining/harvesting/exploitation of these resources?

Angola is one of the richest natural resource bearing countries in Africa. It possesses petroleum, diamonds, iron ore, phosphates, copper, feldspar, gold, bauxite, and uranium. Angola is now one of the largest exporters of petroleum in the sub-Saharan Africa, and its production has almost tripled since independence. But because Angola was not a member of OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) until recent times, the country was not exposed to any restrictive “quotas” on its exports. Therefore management of the oil business was left in foreign hands. Hydrocarbons take up the largest proportion of exports; over half goes to the United States and China where low-sulfur crude oil is wanted. Small amounts of diamonds are also exported. Imports to Angola such as consumer goods, capital goods, and transport equipment come from South Korea, Portugal, and the United States.

3. Describe any environmental issues affecting this country and what, if anything is being done to address them.

Angola suffers from a suffiect amount of environmental issues due to the 30 year war that happened there. The main problems here are land abuse, desertification, loss of forests, and impure water. The productivity of the land is jeopardized by drought and soil erosion, contributing to water pollution and depositing silt in rivers and dams. The forests and woodlands declined 3.1% between 1983 and 1993, and a reported 0.2% in 1999-2000. In 2003, about 6.6% of the total land area was protected; therefore improved water sources were available to 70% of the urban population and 40% of rural dwellers. The endangered species in Angola are the black-faced impala, the green, olive ridley, and leatherback turtle, the giant sable antelope, the African slender-snouted crocodile, the African elephant, Vernay's climbing monkey, and the black rhinoceros. According to a report in 2007 made by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), the numbers of threatened species are 13 types of mammals, 18 species of birds, 4 types of reptiles, 22 species of fish, 4 types of mollusks, and 26 species of plants.

4. Describe the government in this country. Who is in power? How are elections chosen?

In Angola, Jose Eduardo dos Santos is the current president in charge. He has been acting for almost 33 years. The government revolves around a Presidential Republic, where the people of the country vote for the President. There are 18 provinces, and each is lead by a governor appointed by the central government. The provinces are then divided into councils, communes, circles, neighborhoods, and villages. The judiciary system is similar to America’s consisting of municipal and provincial courts, and the highest being the Supreme Court. Although with Santos in charge for more than 30 years, I suspect some tension between the government and the people of Angola due to the recent events in Tunisia and Libya. The country recently ended a Civil War but another could abrupt at any given time.

5. Is there or has there been any conflict in this country? If so please describe it. If not, please explain why you think the country has remained peaceful.

Angola recently ended a Civil War that lasted from February 4, 1961 to 1994. The Angolans were frustrated with the dehumanizing laws the Portuguese made when they colonized them in 1910. The urban partisans of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) began the war with an armed guerrilla attack on São Paulo fortress and the police headquarters in Luanda. Within six weeks, the war spread to the north with the rural guerrillas of another organization (the Union of Angolan Peoples), which later became the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA). The FNLA, lead by Holden Roberto, created a revolutionary government-in-exile in Zaire on 3 April 1962. A thrird movement group, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) evolved as the consequence of a split in the government-in-exile. The three movements were separated by ideology, ethnic considerations, and personal rivalries; therefore when the Portuguese agreed to give up power and give Angola full independence, the coalition government fell apart and mediation attempts by other African countries failed. At the peak of independence each of three organizations had its own army and influence. The FNLA, based in Zaire, received financial support mainly from China and the United States and represented the Kongo people. The UNITA and the FNLA joined together and established the Popular Democratic Republic of Angola. It was sustained with US funds, South African troops, and some white mercenaries. Ovimbundu, the largest ethnic group in Angola, supported UNITA. The MPLA had social support from mestiços in Luanda and other urban areas and the Mbundu. It received military and financial help from the USSR and 15,000 Cuban soldiers. In October 1991, war broke out and more than 1,000 were killed in a week. UNITA gained 75% control over the country. The death of Savimbi in February 2002 during an attack in southeastern Angola changed views for peace. In March 2002 UNITA commanders joined forces with the Angolan army (FAA) confirming an ending of hostilities; a peace accord between the government and UNITA followed in April.

5 Key Events of Angola Timeline

2. The death of Savimbi in February 2002 during an attack in southeastern Angola

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Angola Research Paper

...The Physical and Physiological Damage of A Rebuilding Angola By Linda E. Black Mid – South Community College November 19, 2009 A southwestern African country by the name of Angola, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, Namibia, and Democratic Republic of the Congo is a country that is known for its colossal oil production, which is roughly 85% of its GDP. Angola is almost twice the size of the state of Texas (USA). It is separated into 18 provinces, and its capital city is Luanda. Angola’s climate in the south is semiarid while the north has cool, dry weather for their winter and hot, rainy weather for their summer. Angola is no stranger to war and conflict. After enduring Portuguese rule since the mid 16th century until Angola received its independence in 1975, this country was catapulted in a civil war that ravaged the country. The war initiated almost immediately after its liberation from Portugal and ended in 2002. The disagreement was between the party behind helping Angola gain independence from Portugal, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola, led by Jose Eduardo Dos Santos and another political party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola, led by Jonas Savimbi (Wertimer 2004) . After a grand victory, there are many tribulations that Angola has to overcome in order to rebuild its country back to normalcy, such as overcoming educational, emotional, social and physical damage that has been done within her borders. The Angolan Civil...

Words: 1812 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Angola Research Paper

...Angola is still continuing to rebuild after the 27-year Civil War that ended in 2002. They gained independence from the Portuguese in 1975. Peace seemed not too far in 1992 when they held national elections, which is how power had been controlled in the country since they had gained their independence. But that soon failed when the fighting continued again in 1993. Over One Million lives were lost and over Four million people were reported missing. Angola is located in Southern Africa and border the South Atlantic Ocean. The Country lies between the Country of Namibia and the Democratic republic of Congo. The Coordinates of Angola are 12.30 Degrees South and 18.30 Degrees East. They area of the country is about 1,246,700 km which is roughly 774,663 Miles. The area is only covered by land because there are no large waterways on the country. Angola is only slightly less than half the size of Texas. Angola has a Semi-Arid climate in the South. The North has a cool and dry season, which lasts May to October. The North also has a hot and rainy season that lasts November to April. Angola’s Terrain is a narrow coastal plain that gradually rises into plateaus. There are many Ethnic groups in Angola. There is Ovimbundu, which is 37 percent, Kimbundu, which is 25 percent, Bakongo, which has 13 percent, Europeans which...

Words: 421 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Angola

...Angola 03/12/2015 Angola is the nickname for the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as the “Alcatraz of the South” and “The Farm” is a prison in Louisiana operated by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Angola is the largest maximum security prison in all the United States. They are able to house 6,300 offenders and have a staff of 1,800. It is located on an 18,000 acre property that was previously the Angola and other plantations directly adjacent from the Mississippi state line. The prison is located at the end of Louisiana Highway 66. Since 1995 Burl Cain has been the warden. Death row for men and the state execution chamber for both sexes are located at the Angola facility. Angola was built in 1835. In 1844 the state leased the prison and its prisoners to McHatton Pratt and Company, a private company. Union soldiers occupied the prison during the Civil War. In 1869 Samuel Lawrence James, a former confederate major, received the lease to the prison. The land that has become Angola Penitentiary was purchased by Isaac Franklin. The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections states the facility opened as a prison in 1901. Charles Wolfe and Kip Lornell, said that Angola was probably as close to slavery as any person could come in 1930. Hardened criminals broke down upon being notified that they sent to Angola. Around that time of year one in every 10 inmates received stab wounds. Wolfe and Lornell said that the staff...

Words: 525 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Kongo

...Kingdom of Kongo: Nation Formation The Kingdom of the Kongo, also known as Kongo dya Ntotila, is by far one of the most famous kingdoms in sub-Saharan Africa. Located in the southwest section of Africa, it is now northern Angola, Cabinda, the Republic of the Congo and the western part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Once a great colossus, it seems that the Kongo Kingdom came and went so fast. John K. Thornton, author of “The Kingdom of Kongo” and “The Origins and Early History of the Kingdom of Kongo”, gives vivid detail and insight to the Kongo Kingdom. He stresses that the societal creation of the Kongo was dominated by a single mode of production whose establishment and dissolution defined the beginning and ending of the period (The Kingdom). He wrote that “Its [Kingdom of Kongo] inception, in about 1390, was central to the constitution of the social formation of the Kongo, while the complex activity between its various levels and relations led to its eventual destruction and break-up of the social formation after 1678…” (Thornton, the Kingdom). In the 1480s, an explorer from Portuguese, Diogo Cao, happened to come across the Kongo Kingdom in his search for trade routes to Asia. And not long after he arrived in the Kingdom, explorers, missionaries and merchants followed suit. At first, it seemed as if they initially had a mutual attraction with each other. The Portuguese were looked at and reverenced as honorable and were welcomed at Mbanza, the capital (africafederation)...

Words: 575 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Changing Management

...REFUGEE CONTAINMENT AT NAMIBIA Due to SWAPO governance in Namibia after gained independent from the colonizer, exodus of Namibian political refugees increased. Not only that, some of the Namibian fled the territory and joined liberation movement in Zambia because of extreme military and police took controlled the territory by force in the North. Namibia also has refugee camp, Osire which located in central Namibia was established even before the state gains their independent from the colonizer. Namibia has been hosting the refugees from that period until present day. The refugees placed in Osire are from Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Somalia. Southern African governments has stepped down from their responsibilities towards the refugees of the societies and it is a big concern to the state whom facing the challenges of hosting and protecting the refugees especially when United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) plans to decrease its activities worldwide. Osire camp has been acknowledged by the UNHCR as the best managed refugee camp for providing education and health care service. Despite, there issue arose when the refugees the camp claimed they were mistreated and harassed by the authority and not given a legal status or document to enable them for work. To be conclude, the management of refugee in Namibia by the civil authority was not well managed, how they act towards the refugees is not illegal and against the human rights and...

Words: 367 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Fagfa

...other based on key facts and rituals that certain societies conduct in. Out of all 7 continents, Africa has probably the most diverse set of cultures a nation can have. With over 400 different cultures founded in Africa, one can say that Africa is deeply cultural in many different ways. Angola, which is a country within Africa, is just one of Africa’s uniquely made countries, but at the same time, has its differences than the other countries as well. The culture of Angola is influenced by several ethnicities which shaped the country. Portugal occupied the coastal enclave Luanda, and later also Benguela, since the 16th/17th centuries, occupied the territory of what today in the 19th/20th centuries, and ruled it until 1975. Because of Portugal, Angola was discovered and is now a part of the great continent that we know as Africa. From then on, a strong nation would be formed that would later practice certain customs, follow certain religions, and created unique arts. Today, Angola is known for their diverse cultural forms as well as their marriage and family forms, religious beliefs, political systems, economic activities, and many more other factors that all together make up Angola. As a whole, Angola has prospered since first discovered and...

Words: 324 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Case Study the Oil Rig

...The Oil Rig A U.S. drilling company operates three rigs in Angola and the “Explorer IV” rig is one of them. A small jack-up is set up to house a crew of 150 men, of whom 30 are American expatriates and 120 are local works. However, there are a lot of disparities of their living conditions including space, food and medical care. For example, the quarters for the local workers are about the same size as the quarters for American expatriates. Also, expatriates will be taken to Luanda for medical surgery if seriously injured, but Angolans can only be treated on the rig by a medic. Moreover, several regulations prohibit Angolan workers from entering the Expat section. The ethical issues in this case are: first, is it ok to treat the American expatriates and Angolan workers so differently? If so, to what extent is it acceptable? From a view of legal standpoint, there is no legal issue existed based on the article, nor does the writer have any knowledge about the written laws that prevent the oil company of doing so. In the “categorical imperative” principle, Kant states that “One ought only to act such that the principle of one’s act could become a universal law of human action in a world in which one would hope to live”. He also thinks that “One ought to treat others as having intrinsic value in themselves, and not merely as means to achieve one’s ends”. However, in the case, the disparities between local workers and Americans indicate clearly that the Angolans are treated...

Words: 617 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Angola Research Paper

...Angola is found in Southern Africa. It borders the Atlantic Ocean in the west, Namibia in the south, and Zambia in the east. It’s located at 11 degrees South and 17 degrees East. Angola has a total of 481,351 square miles. PLACE: In the northern part of Angola, the climate is damp and wet. The climate on the eastern side of Angola is moderate tropical weather. The part most centrally located has a dry, desert climate. Some of the most popular type of jobs to have there are management, production, and transportation. The lowest elevation of Angola is 0m. The highest point is Morro de Moco at 2,620 m. MOVEMENT: Two of Angola’s main exports are petroleum and diamonds. Together, these two resources make up about 80 percent of the total exports....

Words: 298 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Angola Trade Study

...1 The Impact of China-Africa Trade Relations: The Case of Angola By Dr Ron Sandrey Associate Trade Law Centre of Southern Africa Prepared for the African Economic Research Consortium Nairobi, Kenya November 2009 2 Acknowledgements The author would like to thank Hannah Edinger, Research Fellow, China Africa Network, Centre for Business and Academic Research, Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria; and Senior Manager & Head of Research at Frontier Advisory, for comments on a previous draft, and for research and editorial assistance. The author would also like to express gratitude to the African Economic Research Consortium for commissioning the research paper. 3 Table of Contents 1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………. 4 1.1 Problem Statement…………………………………………………………………... 4 1.2 Objectives of Report……………………………………………………………….… 5 1.3 Overview of Report……………………………………………………………….….. 7 2. Background………………………………………………………………….… 9 2.1 Angola & China Country Snapshots and the background trading relationship………………………………………………………………………….… 9 2.1.1 2.1.2 2.1.3 2.1.4 2.1.5 2.1.6 2.1.7 2.2.1 2.2.2 2.2.3 Angola – A Country Snapshot………………………………………………………….…. China – A Country Snapshot……………………………………………………………… Angola’s trade profile………………………………………………………………………. Angola’s trade profile with China…………………………………………………………. Angola’s other trade partners……………………………………………………………… Who are the gainers and losers from Angola’s increasing merchandise trade flows...

Words: 27003 - Pages: 109

Premium Essay

Angola Museum Research Paper

...Orleans (Angola Museum, n.d.). In that same year, the first Louisiana State Penitentiary was built. The penitentiary was built on the corner of sixth and Laurel Streets in Baton Rouge using a plan similar to a prison in Wethersfield, Connecticut (Angola Museum, n.d.). In 1844, the penitentiary and the inmates were leased to the private firm of McHatton Pratt (Angola Museum, n.d.). During the Civil War union Troops occupied the penitentiary. Then in1869 the lease was given to a Confederate Major by the name of Samuel James. The James Family was in charge of the Louisiana Corrections for the next 31 years (Angola Museum, n.d.). In 1880, Major James bought an eight thousand...

Words: 1489 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

The Farm Life Inside Angola Essay

...The Farm: Life Inside Angola, directed by Liz Garbus and Jonathan Stack is a documentary based on felons and inmates who are serving life sentences. Moreover, some were convicted for death row. The film takes place in Angola, Louisiana. The documentary was published in 1998 and it represents justice/hope to many of the convicted felons. The reason why I say justice is because one of the inmates that was convicted of rape, came forward telling us his side of the story. In his argument, the inmate was involved in a rape case that he was never a part of, to begin with. However, the victim told the authorities that a black male had raped her. Therefore, the officials immediately prosecuted the subject, who didn’t commit the crime. However, since he fit the description, he had no choice. Furthermore, his sentencing was ridiculous. It was well unjust. The Judge gave him a life sentence without the possibility of parole. In other words, like many inmates said, “once you are here, you’re going to die in here.” Another scene that stood out to me was the unjust of punishment. This ties up to the earlier example. The punishments that the inmates were receiving were way too harsh. I totally understand that a robbery does indeed carry a heavy consequence. But, it shouldn’t be...

Words: 619 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

International Islamic Terrorist Recruitment - Angola Position Paper

...Thousands of people, especially Christians and Shiites, have died by the hands of this extremist group who enforces a strict interpretation of Islam. The US is working side by side with Iraq to help stop the Islamic State and its aim of a worldwide caliphate. It has assemble a coalition to fight the militants with an estimated of 20 000 fighters from almost 80 countries who have contributed with aircrafts, military aid and a great humanitarian effort. “This is going to be a long-term project”, announced President Barack Obama in August, informing every country and US itself about the magnitude of this situation. With its aid, Kurdish and Iraqi forces have been able to slow the progress and in some cases reverse extremist advances. Even though Angola is...

Words: 977 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Angola's Mislaid Billions

...mislaid billions Introduction and history Angola is one of the larger African countries located in the southwestern part of the continent. The capital city is Luanda, and official language is Portuguese. According to United States Department of State website, “Despite its extensive oil and mineral reserves and arable land suitable for large-scale production of numerous crops, Angola has some of the world's lowest social development indicators” (Angola. Country Specific Information, 2012, para. #1). Due to these massive oil reserves, it seems that Angola should flourish and become one of the most developed African countries. Sadly, most of this country’s citizens seem to be living in extreme poverty. One can only try to guess why this would be the case. After being a colony of Portugal, Angola has gone through some rough times. Armed conflict did help with gaining the independence but right after the conflict was over, and independence achieved, civil war has taken over and slowed down any potential successes. “Development was severely restricted by a 27-year civil war that broke out upon independence in 1975 and destroyed most of the country's infrastructure. Since the war ended in 2002, the economy grew at a double-digit annual rate until the global financial crisis undercut oil revenue” (Angola. Country Specific Information, 2012, para. #1). This country has had a large potential due to its oil reserves. Because Angola exports most of its oil, it could benefit from...

Words: 1898 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Index Economy

...There are three sections to differ the economy system used between Angola and Switzerland which are: * Index of economy freedom * Gross National Income and Gross Domestic Product * DHL Global Competitiveness Index 2013-2014. 1. Index of economy freedom Angola According to the 2014 Index of Economy Freedom, Angola listed as 160th out of 178 countries that are under observation. With total score is 47.7, this nation has a lot of troubles in term of rule of law, open market and government spending. In law, the government uncontrolled the corruption cases and it might become the barrier for international investors to contribute Angola’s wealth because it is risky to set up the business inside the distrust government. For evidence, the corruption perception index 2012 stated that Angola ranked as 22nd country most corrupt. Besides, this country got low score in term of property right which is 15. Based on the information, Angola is one of the strong socialism countries due the government control the income of the business and fail to reform the economy since the weak rule of law and trade freedom. Same with other socialism nations, the government ignore the opinion from their citizens. In fact, the labor freedom score in 2013 was 44.8, less 15.9 point from the average Index of economic freedom while the freedom of the press was under depression as ranked 157th out of 197 nations. Therefore the policy of “property is held in common and not individually, and relationships...

Words: 2287 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

David Couto Family Interview Essay

...their travels through Portugal to Angola, Africa back to Portugal to eventually moving to the United States of America permanently. They not only were an immigrant to Namibe, Angola when they arrived from Estarreja, Portugal when they were toddlers, but they moved to America when they were in their teenage years. To interview David about his first immigration was hard because of the fact that he was so young when he moved to Angola from Portugal. His family moved to Naimbe (called Moçâmedes or Angra de Negro when he lived there) because his father’s work relocating and more opportunities. Though his family did not want to move, they were very lucky that their father even had a job in general. His work did pay for them to move and even helped them buy a house in Angola. Naimbe was a Portuguese Province, so the move was not that difficult and not much was needed to adjust. Most of the people still spoke portuguese, celebrated most of the same holidays, and most importantly had the same type...

Words: 1726 - Pages: 7